Exploring the Trend of Matching Outfits in Family Life
Genevieve Roberts, a mother of three, shares her reflections on parenting and the evolving trends she encounters in her weekly column, Outnumbered. As she looks back at baby photos of her eldest daughter, Astrid, she recalls the days when she used to coordinate their outfits with matching stripes. Those early months of parenthood were filled with a slow rhythm, centered around the needs of her newborn. Now, with three children and a partner, life has become a whirlwind of activities, from playdates to work commitments, and trying to manage the right combination of people at the right time.
The only coordination that remains is persuading everyone to sleep at similar hours, which relies heavily on luck. However, there’s a growing trend in matching outfits among families, especially inspired by high-profile figures like Princess Catherine and her daughter Charlotte. This fashion moment has sparked Genevieve’s interest in revisiting the idea of coordinated family looks.
A Fashion Moment for Families
Matching outfits have been a recurring theme in the lives of celebrities and public figures. Beyoncé, for example, has often dressed her daughter Blue Ivy in matching outfits, from floral dresses to monochrome Adidas collections. The Kardashians are known for their family-style fashion, while Serena Williams and her daughter Olympia also coordinate their sports and spectator gear. These examples show that the trend isn’t new but rather an evolution of a long-standing tradition.
In recent years, the trend has gained momentum, particularly in areas where the royals are seen as fashion icons. Parents and children can be spotted in parks and music events, dressed as a unified clan ready for a photo shoot. This is a stark contrast to the 1980s, when there was a “slight moral panic” about adults wearing children’s clothes. Childhood scholar Deniz Arzuk notes that there was concern that adults in joggers and trainers looked too much like children.
Celia Muñoz, founder of La Coqueta, has introduced a new collection of matching parent and child clothing, reflecting the demand for such styles. She believes the appeal lies in the fleeting nature of childhood, where dressing alike becomes a way to freeze time and celebrate connection. This tradition dates back to the early 20th century, when families often dressed similarly to show social status. In Spain, sibling matching has been part of daily life for generations, highlighting strong family values.
Embracing the Trend
Genevieve and her family experiment with matching outfits, trying on floral blue outfits with her daughters, Astrid and Juno. Xavi, their son, has matching plain blue shorts, while Mark, the father, refuses to join in. He finds the idea of matching “try-hard” and even questions whether he would wear matching his-and-hers clothes. However, Juno enjoys the experience, while Genevieve feels more uptight in their smart attire, worrying about staining her daughter’s dress.
Astrid, who describes her style as “shorts-and-a-t-shirt,” later decides not to wear the matching outfit, explaining that she wants to look like herself. Genevieve is proud of her daughter’s decision, recognizing the importance of individuality.
For their next attempt, they all dress in denim, turning everyday wear into a form of fancy dress. They enjoy the novelty of quadruple denim, finding it fun and reminiscent of the joy of matching pyjamas during holidays.
The Psychology Behind Matching Outfits
Susan Kennedy, buying manager for childrenswear at John Lewis, highlights that this year’s trend focuses on complementing and coordinating rather than exact matches. Similar patterns or twinning tones are becoming popular, with families embracing coordinated looks for their adorable appearance and the sense of bonding they create.
Genevieve reflects on her motives, questioning whether she is doing this for photos or for genuine connection. Dr Sarah Davies, a psychologist, reassures that the main reason for dressing children in matching outfits is because it’s cute. However, she warns against narcissistic tendencies, where parents might view their children as an extension of themselves, leading to controlling behavior.
Dr Robyn Koslowitz agrees, emphasizing the importance of allowing children space to make their own choices. While creating a family look for special occasions can be cozy, parents should be mindful of their children’s preferences and respect their boundaries.
Final Thoughts
While Genevieve wouldn’t normally consider coordinating clothes for the beach, she is open to trying it for special events like a Bat Mitzvah if all the children are on board. Celia Muñoz advises embracing the short chapter when children want to dress like their parents. Genevieve remains conscious that they might already be moving onto the next phase of their family’s journey.